Keeping wastewater flowing — and out of sight, mind, and nostrils — is part of everyday business for the City of Kyle and lately, that business has been picking up. To keep pace with our city’s growth, teams are hard at work expanding the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), improving infrastructure, and reducing impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
Just this past month, we celebrated two major milestones that reflect that progress — the opening of the new WWTP Access Road and City Council’s approval of a nearly $60 million construction contract to launch the next phase of the plant’s expansion.
For residents living near the wastewater treatment plant, especially in the Waterleaf neighborhood, the new Access Road brings real, everyday improvements by getting construction vehicles and plant traffic off neighborhood streets like New Bridge Drive. The road was designed with durability, safety, and future growth in mind. It features a 20-year pavement structure, a drainage system capable of handling a 25-year storm, and a modern security system.
An Access Road Ribbon Cutting was held on Thursday, October 9, at the WWTP, that included remarks from Water Utilities Director Mike Murphy and Council Member Miguel Zuniga, Ph.D.
Just a few days later, at the October 21, 2025 City Council Meeting, council members approved the construction contract with Archer Western for the WWTP Early Works Package, marking the next phase of one of the city’s most significant water utility investments to date.
This $59,992,905 contract, coming in $13 million below estimated project cost, will fund the first of two construction phases for the plant’s expansion — the Early Works Package (EWP) and the Full Works Package.
The EWP focuses on securing long-lead equipment, or specialized equipment that needs to be ordered far in advance, and beginning construction on key components like:
- Aeration Basins that hold wastewater and microorganisms that feed on the organic waste
- Clarifiers and Disc Filtration systems that remove suspended solids from wastewater
- Rapid mix and flocculation basins that remove impurities
- A centralized chemical facility
“The Early Works Package is more than just the first step in expanding our wastewater treatment capacity — it’s a critical investment in Kyle’s future,” Director of Water Utilities Mike Murphy said. “We’re laying the groundwork for a system that will serve our growing community reliably, efficiently, and responsibly for decades to come.”
Beyond the essential behind-the-scenes improvements, residents will see new masonry fencing and landscaping that complements the Waterleaf neighborhood’s natural landscape and park setting. The Early Works Package is expected to be complete by November 2026.
Once complete, this phase will increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD) to 6.0 MGD with future phases planned to reach 9 MGD and eventually 12 MGD.
While wastewater treatment plants may not be the most talked about part of city infrastructure, they’re among the most essential. They protect public health, support growth, and ensure a clean environment for all. These upgrades will ensure Kyle can continue to meet the growing demand while maintaining efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations.
